Penny Frondelli/Herald
hospital officials claim that the state Health Department is standing in the way of the facility’s reopening.

Hospital officials confirmed that the facility has been losing millions per year — including $2.5 million in 2011 — but said that most community hospitals are facing similar financial challenges.

LBMC officials said they have hired a consulting firm to help develop a new business model to make the hospital more sustainable, and that it is taking steps to reduce costs. They are discussing plans for a “smaller hospital that is more reflective of the needs of the community,” which could mean a reduction in staff.

“We’re not averse to changing the way Long Beach Medical Center looks — we recognize that we may need to be different,” a spokeswoman said. “We would be smaller than we are now, but we would still have relatively comprehensive services. That would enable the hospital to be financially sustainable.”

SNCH spokesman Damien Becker said that there have been discussions about a merger with LBMC, at the request of the Health Department, since the beginning of the year. “Our goal was to assess the health care needs of the residents of Long Beach island, and to focus on a new health care delivery system that would give the community access to state-of-the-art health care,” Becker said.

LBMC officials confirmed that they have been in talks with SNCH about a possible merger. “A larger entity has better clout in negotiating better prices with vendors, and more wherewithal to make investments,” a spokesman said.

Howard Schwach contributed to this story. Have an opinion on this story? Send Letters to the Editor to arifilato@liherald.com

It is absolutely necessary and imperative for LB to have its own ER...as someone whose children frequent the beach...as someone whose family members reside in LB.. as as someone who resided in LB during the last big storm that cut LB off from the mainland...without its own viable ER....in close proximity to and always accessible to beach goers, surfers, and residents is very simply-a tragedy is waiting to happen. This is more important than any boardwalk and every resident and non resident who uses the beach should stand up and be heard!

How getting this hospital up and running isn't a main priority is totally reprehensible. Let's take sorely needed funds and get the boardwalk rebuilt, yet ignore an institution that can save many lives. Crazy! Too many unused beds? Someone should take a look at the overcrowded South Nassau Comm. Hosp.

The sad part is that it will take someones death to get the ball rolling. The hospital has been a financial mess for a long time. Employees have listened to the CEO's stories and have not had a raise in years. I wonder what perks all the higher ups surrendered. Bottom line is that LBMC needs an overhaul. They need new people in charge who see a future for the hospital not people who are on their way to retirement and just looking to see how much money they can walk away with. I've lived here all my life and this is the most dangerous time of year. And anyone that lives here knows how crowded that bridge gets at times and it's only a matter of time before someone dies because the bridge is up and/or traffic is jammed. School is out now...how long before an out-of-towner hits the beach and needs to be saved. The heat has started...how about all our seniors? The people we've elected need to start speaking up for us and our safety. A boardwalk can be built any time ..someones life and death situation can't be put on hold.

Yes, we should be heard. First, get rid of the entire staff and start over (as in local doctors and insensitive nurses and aides), Second several pediatric physicians and beds for pediatrics, also equipment for use for pediatrics, Third, a qualified amount of physicians in all fields other than the good old boys of Long Beach. Fourth, a greater housekeeping department, complete with mops, dust mops, dusting cloths and sanitary cleaners. And finally, enough linens to sustain the hospital on a daily basis that are clean and not JUST ENOUGH. And the most important thing is that the staff NOT be allowed to discuss patients in public places or AT ALL other than to family of the patients, WITH PERMISSION! The HIPPA LAW is VERY MUCH ALIVE. We need great care in LB, NOT the substandard care we were receiving before SANDY. We have a community of young AND old, and all in between. They ALL should get good quality care. The old LBMH was a geriatric facility at best, with substandard care for others. The NEW LBMH should be for everyone and have great qualified doctors from other communities willing to come here. Not avoid us because of the bad reputation that preceeds it. So, now that you know some of the needs, get on it and see what you can do.

I know that under new leadership, this hospital would flourish. To leave it as is is to go backwards. Many people go outside of LB when they need a hospital or fear of DYING in LBMH. That is the reputation it has. That, plus misdiagnosis and over medicating and not listening to the patients complaints. We need new leadership if this facility is ever going to serve this community. I hope we can achieve these things, or many of us will continue to go elsewhere for care.